Support Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A support apparatus for supporting a load on an inclined surface, the support apparatus includes a pair of base extensions removably engaged to the inclined surface, each base extension having first and second end portions, further included is a support platform that includes a plurality of gap forming spaced apart parallel beams that each have proximal and distal end portions, the proximal end portions have a first pivotal attachment to the first end portions. Also, a pair of arms each having a shoulder portion and a strut portion, the shoulder portions have a second pivotal attachment to the distal portions, wherein the strut portions are removably engagable to the second end portions to operationally lock a selected platform angle to the base extensions. Operationally, the platform supports the load with the gaps providing increased lateral grip for the load on the support platform.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 61/930,478 filed on Jan. 23, 2014 by David BruceBrinkman of Denver, Colo., U.S.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a support for helping toretain a user, ladder, supplies, or equipment to a surface. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to the field of roof to roofsupports, in having the support help secure the load being defined asthe user, ladder, supplies, or equipment to a lower roof surface toassist in keeping the load in a fixed substantially horizontal positionupon the lower roof for the user to safely climb upon to stand or placea ladder upon, or secure supplies or equipment for the purpose ofperforming activities upon subsequently higher building portions.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Ladder related accidents of a user falling from the ladder typicallyresult in serious injury, wherein serious injury happens in just overhalf (about 51%) the ladder accidents based on overall ladder injurystatistics for the United States. In addition, in higher buildings withsteeper pitched roofs the serious injury rate from ladder accidentsincreases to significantly over half (to about 69%), thus placing theupmost importance on ladder safety for users, as there is really notsuch a thing as a minor ladder accident, in fact according to theOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) the leading causeof workplace deaths are construction related falls of which ladders wereinvolved in most of the time.

Overall, based on a recent Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)ladder safety study, ladder related deaths and injuries accounted foralmost 700 deaths annually, wherein ladder accidents have increased over50% in the last decade due mostly to user neglect and negligence in fourmajor areas being; (1) selecting the wrong ladder for the job, (2) usingworn or damaged ladders, (3) incorrect use of ladders, and (4) incorrectplacement of ladders. It is item (4), the incorrect placement of laddersthat the present invention is concerned with, via controlling the baseportion positioning of the ladder, as in most cases relying upon surfacefriction only as between the ladder base portion feet and the groundsurface is risky at best. Further, from the CPSC data, the number onecause of ladder accidents at 40% was that the “ladder moved” followed byfoot slip at 24%, and lost balance at 18%, after which no other cause ofa ladder accident is greater than 4%, resulting that these first threecauses of ladder accidents are the most important, thus the mostimportant safety item to remedy is the “ladder moving” cause, which asreferenced above alludes to using ladder foot to ground or roof surfacefriction is a major risk.

The present invention is focused upon the “ladder moved” cause as beingthe most significant cause of ladder accidents, and specificallyfocusing on the roof to roof use of a ladder, wherein the ladder feetare on a lower roof with the ladder leaning against an upper roofmargin, edge, or building wall portion extending from the roof surfaceupward. Thus for the present invention, a special interface platform isneeded to be developed to help secure the ladder foot to the lowertypically angled roof, as opposed to placing the ladder feet upon theangled roof surface.

In looking at the prior art in U.S. Pat. No. 2,320,538 to Vogt disclosedis a roof shingling seat, wherein the seat includes a pair of opposedangle iron base members, a pair of seat bars that are each pivoted toone another at base bars, and a pair of supporting legs that are eachpivoted at one end to the free ends of the seat bars, further a seatboard is affixed to the seat bars as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Vogtfurther discloses that the supporting legs for the seat are provided attheir free ends with apertures that are configured to be removablyengaged with mating apertures that are disposed in a longitudinal matterin the base bars, the removable engagement is preferably accomplished bythe use of removable pins. Vogt also has cross bracing of the supportlegs as shown in FIG. 1, the support legs are constructed of angle ironsuch that the free ends are notched to accommodate the base bars withthe free end at the base bars having points that are designed to embedin the roof covering material for anchoring purposes, see FIG. 1. InVogt, the bars of the assembly are pivoted to the base bars that arealso provided with integral pointed hooks for an anchoring engagement tothe roof, again as shown in FIG. 1, resulting in the seat being set upfor use and retained at the desired position on the angled roof. Vogtalso discloses that by removing the pins or fastening elements, theentire structure may be folded into a flattened assembly for storage andtransportation. Note that Vogt's only attachment to the angled roof isvia the pointed hooks as shown in FIG. 1.

Continuing in the prior art in U.S. Pat. No. 955,159 to Hillmondisclosed a roofing bracket that is similar to Vogt, with Hillmondisclosing a supporting frame consisting of a pair of vertical seatsupporting bars pivotally secured at their upper ends at the sides of aseat positioned between the vertical seat supporting bars, pivotallysecured to the seat with side rails affixed to each side of the seat.Hillmon also discloses inclined attachment bars pivoted at their upperends to the side rails including a plurality of openings being formed inattachment bars adjacent to their lower ends terminating in a hooks formupon each opposite end of the attaching bars for engagement with a roof.Further, Hillmon includes studs extending laterally from the lower endsof the vertical seat supporting bars adapted to engage in the openingsin the attachment bars, the lower ends of the supporting bars beinglaterally and inwardly movable to disengage the studs from the openingsin the attachment bars, and a horizontal bar connected the supportingbars adapted to prevent the lateral movement of the vertical bars asshown in FIG. 2. Note also that Hillmon's only attachment to the angledroof is via the hooks as shown in FIG. 2.

Next, in the prior art in U.S. Pat. No. 3,866,715 to Foulk discloses aroofing platform is made of three steel frames interconnected to beadjustable for any roof slope and a stage mounted on one of the framesin any of a number of positions for adapting the platform to any roofingslope angle. In Foulk one frame lies against the roof as shown in FIGS.1 and 2 with a second frame that is generally L-shaped with a verticalriser and a horizontal stage bracket, wherein the bottom of the riser ispivotally connected to the top of the roof frame. Foulk also has adiagonal brace that is pivotally connected to the top of the riser andcan be connected to a mid-portion of the roof frame in any of a numberof positions so that the riser remains vertical on any roof slope. Foulkalso includes spikes on the bottom of the riser that embed in the roofto keep the platform from sliding along the roof angle as best shown inFIGS. 2 and 3. The spikes in Foulk are provided only at the top of theportion engaging the roof such that they can be fitted beneath the flapsof composition shingles and the platform can be used on a completedroof, see FIG. 1. A flat stage in Foulk is mounted on the stage bracketin any of a number of positions forwardly from the roof frame so thatthe front edge of the stage is quite close to the roof to keep theroofing platform from tipping, again see FIG. 1. Thus Foulk uses thespikes to embed into the roof for securing the roofing platform to theangles roof, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Further in the prior art, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,745,869 to Garrettdisclosed are a number of roofing accessories, including a lightweightadjustable ladder and scaffold support. The scaffold support in Garrettis provided with a pair of rails spaced apart to match the standardtruss frame spacing of most roof joists, wherein connected to the railsthrough mating suitable holes and slots, are rods supporting an angleadjustable platform. Garrett discloses that one of the rods may beplaced through a corresponding slot to achieve a suitable angle ofadjustment corresponding to roof incline being similar to a seat backangle adjustment configuration. Further in Garrett, an apparatus is alsoprovided for supporting loads of materials or supplies on an inclinedroof, using components and parts in common with the scaffold supportapparatus, or components and parts similar thereto. Also in Garrett, atool tray is provided which may be backed with a layer of foam toprevent the tray from slipping off the roof, while allowing the tray tobe freely moved along and up and down the roof, as work progresses.Garrett also shows a pair of ladder feet pivot ends being secured to thesupport via pins in FIG. 5. Garrett teaches using nails or screws placedthrough holes 12 directly into a roof frame truss to secure the supportto an angled roof.

Continuing in the prior art, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,573,360 to Yoderdisclosed a roof jacking seat system that is inclusive of a seatpivotally oriented with respect to a wheeled frame such that the seatcan adjust in accommodation of different roof pitch angles. The systemin Yoder is for the support of an end user atop of an angled roof duringa roof shingle removal processes. The frame in Yoder includes a winchingassembly having a cable and hook configuration for removable engagementonto a roof ridge such that the entire system may be driven up or down aside of said roof. The frame in Yoder also includes a plurality ofwheels in parallel orientation thereby enabling movement along a singleaxis up and down the angled roof surface. The pivoting structure enablesadjustment of the seat at different angles with respect to the frame,wherein the frame may include along a distal end a footrest for use bythe end user.

What is needed is a support for the ladder, the user, and the suppliesor equipment on a platform that can accommodate the special interfacethat is needed to help secure the platform to the angled roof without apermanent attachment and for the platform to accommodate various roofangles. Further, the support needs to be portable via being collapsiblein a manner that is lightweight, compact, and easy to install anduninstall on the angled roof surface.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Broadly, the present invention is a support apparatus for supporting aload, wherein the support apparatus is for use on an inclined surface.The support apparatus includes a pair of base extensions, each baseextension having a first end portion and an opposing second end portionwith a lengthwise axis spanning therebetween. The lengthwise axes arespaced apart and parallel to one another in a juxtapose manner, whereinthe base extensions form a first plane as between the lengthwise axes,further each base extension has a longitudinal axis that is positionedperpendicular to both the lengthwise axis and the first plane. Whereineach base extension has a plurality of primary apertures disposedtherethrough that are parallel to the longitudinal axis and each baseextension second end portion has a plurality of secondary aperturesdisposed therethrough that are parallel to the first plane.

The support apparatus further includes a support platform that includesa plurality of beams, each beam having a proximal end portion and anopposing distal end portion with an axial axis spanning therebetween,the plurality of axial axes are positioned parallel to one anotherresulting in the beams oriented parallel to one another in a spacedapart fashion with a gap formed as between a mid-section along the axialaxis of each beam. Each gap is defined by a margin periphery formed asbetween the beams that are adjacent to one another, the plurality ofbeam proximal end portions have a first pivotal attachment to the baseextension first end portions about a first pivotal axis that isperpendicular to the lengthwise axes and positioned as between thespaced apart pair of base extensions. Wherein, the support platform hasa first pivotal movement about the first pivotal axis.

The support apparatus additionally includes a pair of arms, each armhaving a shoulder portion and an opposing strut end portion with an armaxis spanning therebetween. The arm axes are spaced apart and parallelto one another in a juxtapose manner, wherein the arms form a secondplane as between the arm axes. The pair of shoulder portions have asecond pivotal attachment to the plurality of beam distal end portionsabout a second pivotal axis that is perpendicular to the axial axis andparallel to the first pivotal axis, wherein the pair of arms have asecond pivotal movement about the second pivotal axis. The pair of strutend portions each have a tertiary aperture that is disposed therethrougheach strut end portion, each tertiary aperture is parallel to the firstplane wherein a first fastener is received therethrough both thetertiary aperture and the secondary aperture to operationally lock aselected platform angle that is positioned between the axial axis andthe lengthwise axis. Further in the support apparatus a plurality ofsecond fasteners utilize the plurality of primary apertures forremovably engaging the pair of base extensions to the inclined surface.Wherein operationally the support platform enables the load to besupported on the inclined surface and the margins provide an edge forincreased lateral grip for the load on the support platform.

These and other objects of the present invention will become morereadily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the followingdetailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which;

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the support apparatus in anoperational positional state, that includes base extensions with thefirst end portion of the base extension, the second end portion of thebase extension, the lengthwise axis, the longitudinal axis, the firstplane, with the primary apertures, the secondary apertures, the supportplatform, the beams, the proximal beam portion, the distal beam portion,the axial axis, the parallel position of the axial axes, the spacedapart fashion of the beams, the gap, the first pivotal attachment, thefirst pivotal axis, the first pivotal movement, the arms, the shoulderportion of the arm, the strut end portion of the arm, the arm axis, thespaced apart and parallel relationship of the arm axes in a juxtaposemanner, the second plane, the second pivotal attachment, the secondpivotal axis, the second pivotal movement about the second pivotal axis,the tertiary aperture, the parallel position of the tertiary aperture tothe first plane, the first fastener, the selected platform angle, andthe second fastener;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the support apparatus in a collapsedor folded up transportation positional state, that includes baseextensions with the first end portion of the base extension, the secondend portion of the base extension, the first plane, with the primaryapertures, the support platform, the beams, the proximal beam portion,the distal beam portion, the axial axis, the spaced apart fashion of thebeams, the gap, the midsection of the beam, the margin periphery, themargin edge, the first pivotal attachment, the first pivotal axis, thesecond pivotal attachment, the second pivotal axis, the perpendicularposition of the second pivotal axis to the axial axis, and the parallelposition of the second pivotal axis to the first pivotal axis;

FIG. 3 shows a top plan view of FIG. 2 of the support apparatus in thecollapsed or folded up transportation positional state, that includesbase extensions with the first end portion of the base extension, thesecond end portion of the base extension, the support platform, thebeams, the proximal beam portion, the distal beam portion, the spacedapart fashion of the beams, the gap, the margin periphery, the marginedge, the first pivotal attachment, the first pivotal axis, the secondpivotal attachment, the second pivotal axis, and the high frictionsurface;

FIG. 4 shows an end elevation view of FIG. 1 of the support apparatus inthe operational positional state, that includes base extensions with thefirst end portion of the base extension, the second end portion of thebase extension, the first plane, the perpendicular position of thelongitudinal axis to the lengthwise axis and the first plane, thesupport platform, the first pivotal attachment, and the second pivotalattachment;

FIG. 5 shows a side elevation view of FIG. 1 of the support apparatus inthe operational positional state at a first selected platform angle,that includes base extensions with the first end portion of the baseextension, the second end portion of the base extension, the supportplatform, the proximal end portion of the beam, the distal end portionof the beam, the first pivotal attachment, the second pivotalattachment, the arm, the shoulder portion of the arm, the strut endportion of the arm, the tertiary aperture, and the first fastener;

FIG. 6 shows a side elevation view of FIG. 1 of the support apparatus inthe operational positional state at a second selected platform angle,that includes base extensions with the first end portion of the baseextension, the second end portion of the base extension, the supportplatform, the proximal end portion of the beam, the distal end portionof the beam, the first pivotal attachment, the second pivotalattachment, the arm, the shoulder portion of the arm, the strut endportion of the arm, the tertiary aperture, and the first fastener;

FIG. 7 shows a side elevation view of FIG. 1 of the support apparatus inthe operational positional state at a third selected platform angle,that includes base extensions with the first end portion of the baseextension, the second end portion of the base extension, the supportplatform, the proximal end portion of the beam, the distal end portionof the beam, the first pivotal attachment, the second pivotalattachment, the arm, the shoulder portion of the arm, the strut endportion of the arm, the tertiary aperture, and the first fastener;

FIG. 8 shows an in use perspective view of the support apparatus in anoperational positional state, wherein the support apparatus utilizes thesecond fastener for attachment to the inclined surface or lower roof,wherein a user is supported by the support platform using a ladder withladder rails, a base end portion of the rails shown, the rungs of theladder, the perpendicular positioning of the ladder rungs to the rails,the upper roof, the higher building portions, the foot of the user withthe user performing work on the higher building portions; and

FIG. 9 shows a cross section cut 9-9 from FIG. 8 except wherein the useris not using the ladder and the user is standing upon the supportplatform with their foot and shoe shown to be extending partially intothe margin periphery at the margin edge of the gap between the beams,wherein the shoe of the user extending partially into the gap at themargin edge of the margin periphery is for increased lateral grip of theuser's shoe to the support platform, also the base end portion of theladder rail is shown with the base end portion resting upon the supportplatform at a selected position with the base end portion extendingpartially into the margin periphery at the margin edge of the gapbetween the beams, wherein the base end portion extending partially intothe gap at the margin edge of the margin periphery is for increasedlateral grip of the ladder to the support platform.

REFERENCE NUMBERS IN DRAWINGS

-   50 Support apparatus-   55 Base extensions-   60 First end portion of the base extension 55-   65 Second end portion of the base extension 55-   70 Lengthwise axis of the base extension 55-   75 First plane-   80 Longitudinal axis of the base extension 55-   85 Perpendicular position of longitudinal axis 80 to the lengthwise    axis 70 and the first plane 75-   90 Primary apertures-   95 Secondary apertures-   100 Support platform-   105 Beams-   110 Proximal end portion of the beam 105-   115 Distal end portion of the beam 105-   120 Axial axis-   125 Parallel position of the axial axes 120-   130 Spaced apart fashion of the beams 105-   135 Gap-   140 Mid-section of the beam 105-   145 Margin periphery-   150 Margin edge-   155 First pivotal attachment-   160 First pivotal axis-   165 First pivotal movement-   170 Arms-   175 Shoulder portion of the arm 170-   180 Strut end portion of the arm 170-   185 Arm axis-   190 Spaced apart and parallel relationship of the arm axes 185 is a    juxtapose manner-   195 Second plane-   200 Second pivotal attachment-   205 Second pivotal axis-   210 Perpendicular position of second pivotal axis 205 to the axial    axis 120-   215 Parallel position of second pivotal axis 205 to first pivotal    axis 160-   220 Second pivotal movement about the second pivotal axis 205-   225 Tertiary aperture-   230 Parallel position of tertiary aperture 225 to the first plane 75-   235 First fastener-   240 Selected platform 100 angle-   245 Second fastener-   250 Load on support platform 100-   255 Ladder-   260 Rails for the ladder 225-   265 Base end portion of the rails 260-   270 Base end portion resting on the support platform 100 at a    selected position through the angle 240 via movement 165-   275 Base end portion resting on the margin edge 150 for increased    lateral grip-   280 Rungs of the ladder 255-   285 Perpendicular positioning on the ladder 255 rungs 280 to the    rails 260-   290 Inclined surface-   295 Upper roof-   300 Lower roof-   305 Higher building portions-   310 User-   315 Foot of user 310-   320 Shoe of user 310-   325 Shoe of user 310 resting on the margin edge 145, 150 for    increased lateral grip-   330 User 310 performing work on higher building portions 305-   335 High friction surface on the beams 105

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With initial reference to FIG. 1, shown is a perspective view of thesupport apparatus 50 in an operational positional state, that includesbase extensions 55 with the first end portion 60 of the base extension55, the second end portion 65 of the base extension 55, the lengthwiseaxis 70, the longitudinal axis 80, and the first plane 75, with theprimary apertures 90, the secondary apertures 95, the support platform100, the beams 105, the proximal beam portion 110, the distal beamportion 115, and the axial axis 120. Also shown in FIG. 1 is theparallel position 125 of the axial axes 120, the spaced apart fashion130 of the beams 105, the gap 135, the first pivotal attachment 155, thefirst pivotal axis 160, the first pivotal movement 165, the arms 170,the shoulder portion 175 of the arm 170, the strut end portion 180 ofthe arm 170, the arm axis 185, the spaced apart and parallelrelationship 190 of the arm axes 185 in a juxtapose manner. Continuingin FIG. 1, shown is the second plane 195, the second pivotal attachment200, the second pivotal axis 205, the second pivotal movement 220 aboutthe second pivotal axis 205, the tertiary aperture 225, the parallelposition 230 of the tertiary aperture 225 to the first plane 75, thefirst fastener 235, the selected platform angle 240, and the secondfastener 245.

Next, FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the support apparatus 50 in acollapsed or folded up transportation positional state, that includesbase extensions 55 with the first end portion 60 of the base extension55, the second end portion 65 of the base extension 55, and the firstplane 75. In addition, FIG. 2 shows the primary apertures 90, thesupport platform 100, the beams 105, the proximal beam portion 110, thedistal beam portion 115, the axial axis 120, the spaced apart fashion130 of the beams 105, the gap 135, the midsection 140 of the beam 105,the margin periphery 145, the margin edge 150, the first pivotalattachment 155, the first pivotal axis 160, the second pivotalattachment 200, the second pivotal axis 205, the perpendicular position210 of the second pivotal axis 205 to the axial axis 120, and theparallel position 215 of the second pivotal axis 205 to the firstpivotal axis 160.

Continuing, FIG. 3 shows a top plan view of FIG. 2 of the supportapparatus 50 in the collapsed or folded up transportation positionalstate, that includes base extensions 55 with the first end portion 60 ofthe base extension 55, and the second end portion 65 of the baseextension 55. Also shown in FIG. 3 is the support platform 100, thebeams 105, the proximal beam portion 110, the distal beam portion 115,the spaced apart fashion 130 of the beams 105, the gap 135, the marginperiphery 145, the margin edge 150, the first pivotal attachment 155,the first pivotal axis 160, the second pivotal attachment 200, thesecond pivotal axis 205, and the high friction surface 335.

Further, FIG. 4 shows an end elevation view of FIG. 1 of the supportapparatus 55 in the operational positional state, that includes baseextensions 55 with the first end portion 60 of the base extension 55,the second end portion 65 of the base extension 55, the first plane 75,the perpendicular position 85 of the longitudinal axis 80 to thelengthwise axis 70, and the first plane 75, the support platform 100,the first pivotal attachment 155, and the second pivotal attachment 200.Moving onward, FIG. 5 shows a side elevation view of FIG. 1 of thesupport apparatus 50 in the operational positional state at a firstselected platform angle 240, that includes base extensions 55 with thefirst end portion 60 of the base extension 55, the second end portion 65of the base extension 55, the support platform 100, the proximal endportion 110 of the beam 105, the distal end portion 115 of the beam 105,the first pivotal attachment 165, the second pivotal attachment 200, thearm 170, the shoulder portion 175 of the arm 170, the strut end portion180 of the arm 170, the tertiary aperture 225, and the first fastener235.

Next, FIG. 6 shows a side elevation view of FIG. 1 of the supportapparatus in the operational positional state at a second selectedplatform angle 240, that includes base extensions 55 with the first endportion 60 of the base extension 55, the second end portion 65 of thebase extension 55, the support platform 100, the proximal end portion110 of the beam 105, the distal end portion 115 of the beam 105, thefirst pivotal attachment 155, the second pivotal attachment 200, the arm170, the shoulder portion 175 of the arm 170, the strut end portion 180of the arm 170, the tertiary aperture 225, and the first fastener 235.Continuing, FIG. 7 shows a side elevation view of FIG. 1 of the supportapparatus 50 in the operational positional state at a third selectedplatform angle 240, that includes base extensions 55 with the first endportion 60 of the base extension 55, the second end portion 65 of thebase extension 55, the support platform 100, the proximal end portion110 of the beam 105, the distal end portion 115 of the beam 105, thefirst pivotal attachment 165, the second pivotal attachment 200, the arm170, the shoulder portion 175 of the arm 170, the strut end portion 180of the arm 170, the tertiary aperture 225, and the first fastener 235.

Moving onward, FIG. 8 shows an in use perspective view of the supportapparatus 50 in an operational positional state, wherein the supportapparatus 50 utilizes the second fastener 245 for attachment to theinclined surface 290 or lower roof 300, wherein a user 310 is supportedby the support platform 100 using a ladder 255 with ladder rails 260, abase end portion 265 of the rails 260 shown, the rungs 280 of the ladder255, the perpendicular positioning 285 of the ladder rungs 280 to therails 260, the upper roof 295, the higher building portions 305, thefoot 315 of the user 310 with the user 310 performing work 330 on thehigher building portions 305.

Continuing, FIG. 9 shows a cross section cut 9-9 from FIG. 8 exceptwherein the user 310 is not using the ladder 255 and the user 310 isstanding upon the support platform 100 with their foot 315 and shoe 320shown to extending partially 325 into the margin periphery 145 at themargin edge 150 of the gap 135 between the beams 105. In addition, FIG.9 also shows the shoe 320 of the user 310 extending partially 325 intothe gap 135 at the margin edge 150 of the margin periphery 145 forincreased lateral grip of the user's 310 shoe to the support platform100. Further, FIG. 9 shows the base end portion 265 of the ladder 255rail 260 shown with the base end portion 265 resting 270 on the supportplatform 100 at a selected position with the base end portion 265extending partially 275 into the margin periphery 145 at the margin edge150 of the gap 135 between the beams 105, wherein the base end portion265 is extending partially 275 into the gap 135 at the margin edge 150of the margin periphery 145 is for increased lateral grip of the ladder255 to the support platform 100.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 7, the support apparatus 50 is forsupporting a load that includes a user 310 or a user 310 and the ladder255, or other equipment or supplies, wherein the support apparatus 50 isfor use on an inclined surface 290, as shown in FIG. 8. The supportapparatus 50 includes the pair of base extensions 55, each baseextension 55 having the first end portion 60 and the opposing second endportion 65 with the lengthwise axis 70 spanning therebetween, as bestshown in FIG. 1. The lengthwise axes 70 are spaced apart and parallel toone another in a juxtapose manner, wherein the base extensions 55 form afirst plane 75 as between the lengthwise axes 70, see FIGS. 1 and 2.Further, each base extension 55 has a longitudinal axis 80 that ispositioned perpendicular 85 to both the lengthwise axis 70 and the firstplane 75, as best shown in FIG. 1. Wherein, each base extension 55 has aplurality of primary apertures 90 disposed therethrough that areparallel to the longitudinal axis 80 and each base extension 55 secondend portion 65 has a plurality of secondary apertures 95 disposedtherethrough that are parallel to the first plane 75.

Further, referring to FIGS. 1 through 7, the support apparatus 50further includes a support platform 100 that includes the plurality ofbeams 105, each beam 105 having the proximal end portion 110 and theopposing distal end portion 115 with an axial axis 120 spanningtherebetween, wherein the plurality of axial axes 120 are positionedparallel 125 to one another resulting in the beams 105 oriented parallel125 to one another in a spaced apart fashion 130 with a gap 135 formedas between a mid-section 140 along the axial axis 120 of each beam 105,see FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. Each gap 135 is defined by a margin periphery 145formed as between the beams 105 that are adjacent to one another, theplurality of beam 105 proximal end portions 110 have the first pivotalattachment 155 to the base extension 55 first end portions 50 about thefirst pivotal axis 160 that is perpendicular to the lengthwise axes 70and positioned as between the spaced apart pair of base extensions 55,also see FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. Wherein, the support platform 100 has a firstpivotal movement 165 about the first pivotal axis 160, see FIG. 1.

Further, looking to FIGS. 1, 5, 6 and 7, the support apparatus 50additionally includes a pair of arms 170, each arm 170 having theshoulder portion 175 and the opposing strut end portion 180 with an armaxis 185 spanning therebetween, as best shown in FIG. 1. The arm axes185 are spaced apart 190 and parallel to one another in a juxtaposemanner, wherein the arms 170 form a second plane 195 as between the armaxes 185, see FIG. 1. The pair of shoulder portions 175 have a secondpivotal attachment 200 to the plurality of beam 105 distal end portions115 about a second pivotal axis 205 that is perpendicular 210 to theaxial axis 120 and parallel to the first pivotal axis 160, wherein thepair of arms 170 have a second pivotal movement 220 about the secondpivotal axis 205, as best shown in FIG. 1. The pair of strut endportions 180 each have a tertiary aperture 225 that is disposedtherethrough each strut end portion 180, each tertiary aperture 225 isparallel 230 to the first plane 75 wherein a first fastener 235 isreceived therethrough both the tertiary aperture 225 and the secondaryaperture 95 to operationally lock a selected platform 100 angle 240 thatis positioned between the axial axis 120 and the lengthwise axis 70, seeFIGS. 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7. Further, in the support apparatus 50, aplurality of second fasteners 245 utilize the plurality of primaryapertures 90 for removably engaging the pair of base extensions 55 tothe inclined surface 290, see FIG. 8. Wherein operationally, the supportplatform 100 enables the load 250 in the form of the user 310, theladder 255, or other supplies/materials to be supported on the inclinedsurface 290 and upon the margins 145 to provide an edge 150 forincreased lateral grip for the load 250 upon the support platform 100.

CONCLUSION

Accordingly, the present invention of a support apparatus has beendescribed with some degree of particularity directed to the embodimentsof the present invention. It should be appreciated, though; that thepresent invention is defined by the following claim construed in lightof the prior art so modifications or changes may be made to theexemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing fromthe inventive concepts contained therein.

1. A support apparatus for supporting a load, wherein said supportapparatus is for use on an inclined surface, comprising: (a) a pair ofbase extensions, each said base extension having a first end portion andan opposing second end portion with a lengthwise axis spanningtherebetween, said lengthwise axes are spaced apart and parallel to oneanother in a juxtapose manner, wherein said base extensions form a firstplane as between said lengthwise axes, further each said base extensionhas a longitudinal axis that is positioned perpendicular to both saidlengthwise axis and said first plane, wherein each said base extensionhas a plurality of primary apertures disposed therethrough that areparallel to said longitudinal axis and each said base extension secondend portion has a plurality of secondary apertures disposed therethroughthat are parallel to said first plane; (b) a support platform thatincludes a plurality of beams, each beam having a proximal end portionand an opposing distal end portion with an axial axis spanningtherebetween, said plurality of axial axes are positioned parallel toone another resulting in said beams oriented parallel to one another ina spaced apart fashion with a gap formed as between a mid-section alongsaid axial axis of each said beam, each said gap is defined by a marginperiphery formed as between said beams that are adjacent to one another,said plurality of beam proximal end portions have a first pivotalattachment to said base extension first end portions about a firstpivotal axis that is perpendicular to said lengthwise axes andpositioned as between said spaced apart pair of base extensions, whereinsaid support platform has a first pivotal movement about said firstpivotal axis; and (c) a pair of arms, each said arm having a shoulderportion and an opposing strut end portion with an arm axis spanningtherebetween, said arm axes are spaced apart and parallel to one anotherin a juxtapose manner, wherein said arms form a second plane as betweensaid arm axes, said pair of shoulder portions have a second pivotalattachment to said plurality of beam distal end portions about a secondpivotal axis that is perpendicular to said axial axis and parallel tosaid first pivotal axis, wherein said pair of arms have a second pivotalmovement about said second pivotal axis, said pair of strut end portionseach have a tertiary aperture that is disposed therethrough each saidstrut end portion, each said tertiary aperture is parallel to said firstplane wherein a first fastener is received therethrough both saidtertiary aperture and said secondary aperture to operationally lock aselected platform angle that is positioned between said axial axis andsaid lengthwise axis, further a plurality of second fasteners utilizesaid plurality of primary apertures for removably engaging said pair ofbase extensions to the inclined surface, wherein operationally saidsupport platform enables the load to be supported on the inclinedsurface and said margins provide an edge for increased lateral grip forthe load on said support platform.